Express Entry
New Express Entry Draw Sent 150 PR Invitations with a Minimum CRS Score of 437
The recent developments in the Canadian immigration system have brought forth the third Express Entry draw in the week, targeting agriculture and agri-food occupations. A total of 150 invitations to apply (ITAs) were extended, with an Express Entry CRS score of 437.
The recent draw marked the seventh Express Entry invitation round this year and the fourth one in the current month. Analyzing the draw, it’s evident that the cutoff dropped across all category-based draws, indicating increased opportunities for candidates. Let’s delve into the details of this draw, exploring the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, tie-breaking rule, and the broader context of Express Entry draws in 2024.
Express Entry Draw Highlights – 16 February, 2024
| Draw type | Agriculture and agri-food occupations |
| Invitations | 150 |
| CRS Cutoff | 437 |
| Tie-breaking rule | January 29, 2024 at 03:32:58 UTC |
The Minimum CRS Score Requirement
Express Entry operates on a points-based system, and the total number of candidates in the Express Entry pool has now reached 211,273, emphasizing the competitiveness of this immigration pathway. Over the years, Express Entry has evolved, introducing express entry targeted draws to address specific skill shortages in Canada.
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In May 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced its plan to conduct invitation rounds focusing on individuals with in-demand skills beneficial to Canada’s workforce and economy. These include proficiency in the French language and work experience in sectors facing workforce shortages, such as healthcare, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions, trades, transport, agriculture, and agri-food.
Express Entry Draws in 2024
The recent draw marked the seventh Express Entry invitation round in 2024 and the fourth in February alone. The cutoff scores dropped across all category-based draws, reflecting the evolving landscape of immigration priorities.
In total, seven draws have been conducted in 2024, resulting in 15,420 ITAs for Canadian PR visas. The IRCC has confirmed its decision to maintain the six existing categories introduced in 2023 for category-based selection in Express Entry draws throughout 2024. These categories include strong French language proficiency and work experience in healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, agriculture, and agri-food.
As the Express Entry system continues to adapt to the changing needs of Canada’s labor market, prospective immigrants should stay abreast of these developments. The recent draw, specifically targeting agriculture and agri-food occupations, highlights the ongoing commitment to addressing specific skill shortages. Moreover, IRCC’s decision to sustain categories further strengthens the role of Express Entry in shaping Canada’s immigration landscape. For the latest updates on navigating the Express Entry system, stay tuned to Canada Immigration News.
